The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for
signs, pursuant to Government Code §§ 65000 et seq.,
65850(b), 38774, 38775; Business and Professions Code §§ 5200
and 5490 et seq.; Civil Code § 713; and other applicable
state laws.
These regulations are intended to protect the public health,
safety, and welfare and provide for the integrity of the community's
aesthetics. The city recognizes that signs and other graphics are
an essential element of a community's visual appearance and provide
a means to identify and promote businesses, provide useful information
to the public, and should not become visual distractions along public
roadways. Consequently, the purpose of this chapter is to provide
sign regulations for signs on private property that are consistent
with the goals and objectives of the city's general plan and the community's
visual and aesthetic goals. In addition, these regulations are intended
to:
A.
Promote
an economically stable and visually attractive community.
B.
Promote
signs and graphics that are attractive, pleasing, and harmonized with
the physical character of the environment and surrounding properties,
while serving the identifying needs of the business community.
C.
Prevent
an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech,
or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other
noncommercial message.
D.
Promote
traffic safety and the smooth and efficient flow of pedestrians and
vehicles to their destinations.
E.
Direct
persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide
for maximum public convenience.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The following policies regarding signage in the city are established:
A.
Regulatory
interpretations. The requirements of this chapter shall not be interpreted
to nullify any easements, covenants, or other private agreements that
provide for more restrictive sign regulations than are required by
this chapter.
B.
Message
neutrality. It is the city's policy and intent to regulate both commercial
and noncommercial signs in a viewpoint-neutral and/or content-neutral
manner. The message of the sign shall not be reviewed except to the
minimum extent necessary to identify the type of sign.
C.
Message
substitution. Subject to the property owner's consent, a noncommercial
message of any type may be substituted in whole or in part for the
message displayed on any sign for which the sign structure or mounting
device is authorized pursuant to this chapter, without consideration
of message content. A sign permit will be required. The purpose of
this requirement is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial
speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial
message over any other noncommercial message. In addition, any on-site
commercial message may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any
other on-site commercial message, provided that the sign structure
or mounting device is authorized pursuant to this chapter, without
consideration of message content. This requirement does not create
a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot,
or land; does not affect the requirement that a sign structure or
mounting device be properly permitted; does not allow a change in
the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; and does
not allow for the substitution of an off-site commercial message in
the place of an on-site commercial or noncommercial message.
D.
On-site/off-site
distinction. Within this chapter, the distinction between on-site
and off-site signs applies only to commercial messages.
E.
General
prohibition. Permanent signs not expressly permitted by this chapter
are prohibited.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes the administrative provisions for signage
regulation, including permit requirements and review procedures. These
permit requirements and procedures are also listed in article II (Land
Use and Development Procedures).
A.
Permit
required. The following permits or entitlements shall be required
for signs:
1.
Sign
permit.
a.
Applicability. A sign permit shall be required for all permanent signs (building attached or freestanding) prior to erection, relocation, alteration, or replacement of a sign, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter. The process for application, review, and decision regarding a sign permit shall be as established in section 17.74.030(B) (Review Procedures) below. A sign permit shall not be required for general maintenance of existing signs or the replacement of the sign face (including message) when the area of the sign is not being changed and a building permit is not required (e.g., the replacement of a sign face on a can sign).
b.
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for sign permits
shall be the planning director, or designee.
c.
Approval findings. A sign permit shall only be granted when the planning
director finds the proposal to be in conformance with all applicable
provisions of this title.
d.
Additional permits. In addition to a sign permit, a building permit
may also be required.
2.
Temporary
sign permit.
a.
Applicability. A temporary sign permit shall be required for all
temporary signs (building attached or freestanding) prior to erection
or placement, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter.
b.
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for temporary
sign permits shall be the planning director, or designee.
c.
Approval findings. A temporary sign permit shall only be granted
when the planning director finds the proposal to be in conformance
with all applicable provisions of this title.
3.
Uniform
sign program.
a.
Purpose and intent. A uniform sign program provides a process for
the city's review of, and decisions related to, requests for signs
for multi-tenant projects. The intent of a uniform sign program is
to allow for the integration of a project's signs with the design
of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement and
to approve common sign regulations for multitenant projects.
b.
Applicability. A uniform sign program shall be required for all new
multi-tenant shopping centers, office parks, and other multi-tenant,
mixed-use, or otherwise integrated developments of three or more separate
tenants/uses that share buildings, public spaces, landscape, and/or
parking facilities.
c.
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for uniform
sign programs shall be the planning director.
d.
Approval findings. A uniform sign program, or revisions thereto,
may be approved only when the designated approving authority makes
all of the following findings:
i.
That the proposed uniform sign program is consistent with the development standards for signs as provided in chapter 17.74 (Sign Regulations for Private Property); and
ii.
The design, location, and scale of proposed signs for the integrated
development are in keeping with the architectural character of the
development.
e.
Conditions of approval. The designated approving authority may impose
conditions and/or require guarantees in order to ensure compliance
with this title and to prevent adverse or detrimental impact to the
surrounding neighborhood.
B.
Review
procedures.
1.
Method
of application. An application for a sign permit, temporary sign permit,
uniform sign programs, or variance shall be made on the form(s) prescribed
by the planning department. The application shall be accompanied by
any fees as specified by city council resolution as outlined in article
II (Land Use and Development Procedures).
2.
Levels
of review. Except for signs subject to initial review by the planning
director, all signs are subject to review under plan check/zoning
clearance, which is a ministerial decision. Appeals go first to the
planning commission and then to the city council, after which judicial
review will be available. Uniform sign program proposals begin their
formal review at the planning director level, although planning staff
may perform an initial advisory review and make recommendations to
the planning commission.
3.
Timely
decision. At each level of review or appeal, the decision shall be
rendered in writing within 30 days. The time period begins running
when the application is complete, or the notice of appeal has been
filed, whichever applies. The timely decision requirement may be waived
by the applicant or appellant. If a decision is not rendered within
the required time, then the application or appeal shall be deemed
denied.
4.
Appeal.
The appeal right arises whenever a written decision is delivered to
the applicant, or the time for decision has run without a written
decision (whichever is earlier). In this context, the term "delivered"
means personally delivered or placed in the U.S. mail, or actually
received, whichever occurs first.
5.
Time
for appeal. Any affected person may appeal any sign permit decision
or appeal to the next level or review, so long as the notice of appeal
is delivered to the city as outlined herein and in article II (Land
Use and Development Procedures). The time for decision begins running
when the notice of appeal is actually delivered in person or is received
by the city.
6.
Status
quo. During the time of review or appeal, the status quo of the subject
sign(s) shall be maintained. This does not apply whenever a sign,
by virtue of its physical condition, constitutes a significant and
immediate threat to public safety.
7.
Judicial
review. Following final decision by the city council, any concerned
person may seek judicial review of the final decision on a sign application
pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8. Such review
must be filed within 30 days of notice of final decision, unless state
law requires otherwise.
8.
Right
to permit. When any sign application complies fully with all applicable
provisions of this chapter, and with all other applicable laws, rules,
and regulations, the permit shall be approved and issued within the
required time.
9.
Permit
denial. When a permit application is denied, the denial shall be in
writing and sent or delivered to the address shown on the applicant's
form, and shall state the grounds for denial.
10.
Processing of applications.
a.
Completeness. The planning director shall determine whether the application
contains all the information and items required by this chapter. If
it is determined that the application is not complete, the applicant
shall be notified in person or in writing within 15 days for sign
permits and 30 days for uniform sign programs of the date of receipt
of the application that the application is not complete and the reasons
therefor, including any additional information necessary to render
the application complete.
b.
Disqualification. No sign application will be approved if:
i.
The applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions
of this chapter and, at the time of submission of the application,
each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed, or included in
the application;
ii.
There is any other existing code violation located on the site of
the proposed sign(s) (other than an illegal or nonconforming sign
that is not owned or controlled by the applicant and is located at
a different business location on the site from that for which the
approval is sought) which has not been cured at the time of the application,
unless the noncompliance is proposed to be cured as part of the proposed
new sign;
iv.
The applicant has not obtained any applicable required use permit.
11.
Multiple sign applications. When an application proposes two or more
signs, the application may be granted either in whole or in part,
with separate decisions as to each proposed sign. When an application
is denied in whole or in part, the planning director's written notice
of determination shall specify the grounds for such denial.
12.
Permits issued in error. Any approval or permit issued in error may
be summarily revoked by the city upon written notice to the holder
of the reason for the revocation.
13.
Inspections. Inspection and approval of foundations is required when
a sign includes a footing design. The purpose of such inspection is
to allow the inspector to verify the size and depth of excavated footing,
reinforcement method, etc. All signs subject to permit require final
inspection and approval by both the planning department and building
and safety department.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The following sign types are expressly exempted from the permit requirements of this chapter but still must satisfy any and all other applicable permit requirements when necessary (e.g., building, electrical, plumbing, grading, encroachment). Any exception to the limitations for exempt signs listed herein shall require a variance pursuant to section 17.20.030 (Variance). However, consideration of the variance request shall not evaluate the message or graphic design of the sign.
A.
Exempt
signs without limitations. The following signs are exempt from sign
permit and city review requirements:
1.
All
devices which are excluded from the definition of a "sign" as set
forth in this title.
2.
Official
traffic signs or other municipal governmental signs, legal notices,
advertisements prescribed by law and placed by governmental entities,
and signs indicating the location of buried utility lines or any notice
posted by a governmental officer in the scope of his or her duties.
3.
Direction,
warning, or information signs or structures required or authorized
by law, or by federal, state, county, or city authority, including,
but not limited to, traffic control signs (e.g., stop, yield), highway
route number signs, and construction zone signs.
4.
Noncommercial
utility company signs identifying cables, conduits, and dangerous
situations.
5.
Street
address signs on buildings and building identification signs consistent
with the city-adopted building code or relevant provisions of this
code. Notwithstanding anything in this section, street address signs
may be illuminated and may contain reflective paint or material.
6.
Signs
and advertising for the state lottery as authorized by Government
Code § 8880 et seq.
7.
Signs
on vehicles and vessels, including license plates, license plate frames,
registration insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to
the business for which the vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool
(not including general advertising, such as mobile billboards), and
messages relating to the proposed sale, lease, or exchange of the
vehicle or vessel.
8.
Noncommercial
flags.
B.
Exempt
signs with limitations. The following signs are exempt from sign permit
and city review, provided that they meet the size, height, duration,
and/or maximum number limitations listed:
1.
Signs
on property undergoing construction or remodeling not exceeding 32
square feet each in area, eight feet in height, and set back a minimum
of ten feet from the property line. One such sign is permitted per
site. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be removed within
30 days of the earliest of the following events: final building inspection
approval, issuance of a valid certificate of occupancy, opening for
business to the public, or expiration of the building permit.
2.
Signs
on property for sale, lease, or rental as follows:
a.
On residential property, one sign not exceeding four square feet
and not exceeding a height of five feet. On weekends and holidays,
up to four signs to direct traffic to the subject property are allowed,
provided each sign does not to exceed eight square feet in area and
three and one-half feet in height. All signs shall be located outside
the public right-of-way. The sign shall not be illuminated.
b.
On multi-family property with more than 12 dwelling units, one additional
sign per street frontage, not exceeding 24 square feet in area attached
to the building or freestanding. All signs shall be located outside
the public right-of-way and shall not be illuminated.
c.
On nonresidential and mixed-use property, one sign per street frontage,
not exceeding 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height. The
sign shall not be illuminated. One such sign is permitted per 600
feet of frontage.
3.
Signs
on property where there is a one-day garage, yard, estate, or other
one-day home-based sale taking place. Such signs may be posted for
no more than 48 hours and must be removed at the end of the one-day
sale. A maximum of six square feet is allowed per sign.
4.
On-site
directional signs, such as exit, entrance, or other on-site traffic
directional signs. The maximum height of any directional sign shall
be 42 inches and the maximum size shall be six square feet. No advertising
or message other than for traffic direction shall be displayed.
5.
Noncommercial
signs consistent with the following requirements:
a.
Noncommercial signs on all private property except residential property,
not exceeding 32 square feet in area and not exceeding eight feet
in height.
b.
Noncommercial signs on residential property, not exceeding six square
feet in area, not exceeding a height of eight feet, and set back at
least five feet from the public right-of-way and not projecting above
the roofline of any structure.
c.
Noncommercial signs on residential property, limited to one for each
dwelling unit or rentable room on the property, that are no more than
one square foot in area and which are attached to and parallel with
the building. The maximum sign area for such signage shall be 12 square
feet.
d.
Noncommercial signs associated with an election shall be installed
no earlier than 45 days prior to an election and shall be removed
within seven days after the election.
6.
Signs held by hand or personally attended to and displaying a noncommercial message when on private property and consistent with the following requirements. Also see section 17.74.050(F) for limitations on signs displaying a commercial message and section 17.72.050 (Street Banner Program) for signs held by hand or personally attended to when on public property.
a.
The maximum aggregate size of all signs held or personally attended
by a single person is 12 square feet. For purposes of this rule, apparel
and other aspects of personal appearance do not count toward the maximum
aggregate sign area.
b.
The maximum size of any one sign which is held or personally attended
by two or more persons is 50 square feet, measured on one side only.
c.
The sign must have no more than two display faces and may not be
inflatable or airactivated.
d.
Persons displaying signs under this section may not stand in any
vehicular traffic lane.
7.
Window
signs consistent with the development standards of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The signs listed in this section are inconsistent with the purposes
and requirements of this chapter and as such are prohibited in all
zones, unless specifically authorized by another requirement of this
chapter.
A.
Any
sign not specifically in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter.
B.
Roof
signs or signs placed above the roofline.
C.
Flashing
signs.
D.
Pennants,
banners, and flags displaying a commercial message unless allowed
through a temporary sign permit.
E.
Signs
which are mobile, rotate, or move.
F.
Signs held by hand or personally attended to displaying a commercial message. See section 17.74.040(B)(6) for types of signs that are allowed and section 17.72.050 (Street Banner Program) for signs on public property.
G.
Signs
which block a pedestrian path of travel.
I.
Signs
placed on the public right-of-way or affixed to an element or structure
on the public right-of-way, or located on a publicly owned tree, fence,
or utility pole or otherwise posted on public property, except where
required by a governmental agency; or signs on private property affixed
to a fence; or signs affixed to a tree, shrub, rock, or other natural
object on private property.
J.
Inflatable
balloon signs, including, but not limited to, individual balloons,
balloon strings, and other inflatable objects made of a flexible material
and inflated so as to be lighter than air. This category also includes
air-activated or air-blown signs and "air dancer" signs.
K.
Neon
signs with exposed tubing and neon signs except as otherwise permitted
for property zoned for commercial use or mixed use, and as part of
exempt window signage.
L.
Painted signs, such as signs painted upon a fence, excluding murals as exempted pursuant to section 17.74.110.
M.
Signs
affixed to vehicles or trailers that advertise or promote a business
that are the primary purpose of the vehicle (e.g., rolling billboard).
This prohibition does not apply to signs permanently affixed to the
side of a business or commercial vehicle (e.g., vehicle wraps on a
delivery or service vehicle) or to signs required by state or federal
law (e.g., contractor's license number) as exempted in the definition
of a sign.
N.
Signs
attached to light standards unless part of a sign program or street
banner program.
O.
Signs
affixed to a structure or property not owned by the person installing
the signs without the written consent of an owner.
P.
Signs
that are dilapidated, abandoned, or in disrepair or dangerous condition.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes the procedures for measurement of signs
(including area and height) and construction and maintenance requirements.
A.
Sign
area measurement procedures. Sign area shall be computed by including
the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter
of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse,
enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem,
or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral
part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the
sign from the backdrop of structure against which it is placed, but
not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly
incidental to the display itself. Backing plates shall count as part
of the sign area unless they are transparent. In the case of two-sided,
multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the area shall be computed
as including the maximum single display surface which is visible from
any ground position at one time. See Figure 17.74.060-1 (Sign Area
Measure).
|
FIGURE 17.74.060-1 SIGN AREA MEASURE
 |
B.
Sign
height measurement. Sign height shall be measured as the greatest
vertical distance measured from the grade at the point the sign supports
intersect the ground and any accompanying architectural features of
the sign. However, if the sign is constructed upon an artificial berm,
the height of the signs, as measured from the toe of slope or berm,
shall not exceed 150 percent of the maximum height allowed by this
title.
C.
Construction
requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof
shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all
applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations, including
the locally adopted building code. All signs shall comply with the
following criteria:
1.
All
transformers, equipment, programmers, and other related items shall
be screened and/or painted to match the building or shall be concealed
within the sign.
2.
All
permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance materials
such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass, and acrylics. Techniques
shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage
caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.
3.
All
freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall have underground
utility service.
4.
All
temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to
maintain an attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed.
D.
Clearance
from public utility facilities. The person erecting a sign and the
owner of the premises shall maintain any legally required clearance
from communications and electric facilities. A sign may not be constructed,
erected, installed, maintained, or repaired in any manner that conflicts
with a rule, regulation, or order of the state public utilities commission
pertaining to the construction, operation, and maintenance of public
utilities facilities.
E.
Interference
with motorist field of vision.
1.
No
sign shall be located in a manner which may obstruct or interfere
with the view of a traffic signal or other traffic regulatory signs.
No sign shall, as determined by the director of engineering/city engineer,
be so located as to create a hazard to the life or property of any
person using the public right-of-way.
2.
Any
required landscaping may be trimmed as needed to provide maximum visibility
of the sign or signs.
3.
Signs
shall not be located within the clear visibility triangle.
F.
Sign
siting.
1.
Location
of building-attached signs. Building signs may be located along any
frontage of a building that faces directly onto a public right-of-way
or an internal circulation path of the site. Orientation of signs
such that they face directly onto residential property is to be avoided
and is allowed only when there is no practical alternative and the
visibility of the sign from the residence is minimized.
2.
Setback
and spacing of freestanding signs.
a.
Where a setback exists, the minimum setback daistance for freestanding
signs shall be measured from the back of the public right-of-way or
side of a driveway. Unless an encroachment permit is granted, all
freestanding signs shall be located outside of the public right-of-way
and any required clear visibility triangle.
b.
The minimum spacing distance between permanent freestanding signs,
excluding on-site directory signs, shall be 50 feet. The designated
approving authority will review a proposed sign location on a case-by-case
basis to ensure the sign is located outside the required clear visibility
triangle and does not otherwise inhibit motorist safety.
G.
Maintenance
requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof
shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface
of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust
and corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights,
missing sign copy, or other non-maintained or damaged portions of
a sign shall be repaired or replaced within 30 days following notification
by the city. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a nuisance
condition and zoning violation and will be enforced as such.
H.
Sign
removal or replacement. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets,
poles, and other structural elements that support the sign shall also
be removed. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match
the adjacent portion of the structure. This requirement does not apply
to routine maintenance.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A.
General
sign development and design requirements. The following general design
requirements shall apply to permanent on-site signs.
1.
Design
compatibility with building. Signs shall be compatible with the architectural
style of the main building or buildings upon the site where the sign
is located. Signs located on commercial or mixed use sites but in
a predominantly residential area shall consider compatibility with
such residential area.
2.
Sign
illumination. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an
internal or external source, shall be designed so as not to cast stray
light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following requirements
shall apply to all illuminated signs:
a.
External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct
illumination of an object other than the sign.
b.
The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or
brightness that will create glare or other negative impacts on residential
properties in direct line of sight to the sign.
c.
Unless otherwise permitted by another requirement of this chapter,
signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or
other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness,
or color.
d.
Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so
as to be confused or constructed as traffic control devices.
e.
Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest
extent possible and shall comply with title 24 of the Code of Regulations.
B.
Development and design standards for specific sign types. In addition to the general sign design requirements in subsection A above, the following requirements shall apply to the specific sign types:
1.
Awning
and canopy signs. Awning and canopy signs may be permitted only as
an integral part of the awning or canopy to which they are attached
or applied and shall be considered wall signs for signage area calculation
purposes. The following requirements shall apply:
2.
Monument
signs. Monument signs shall only be permitted as follows:
a.
In an effort to promote full architectural integration of signs,
voids between the sign face and the sign structure are prohibited.
Either the sign face shall utilize the full width of the sign structure
or coverings that are architecturally consistent with the rest of
the sign shall be used to fill any voids.
b.
Materials and design for freestanding signs shall be complementary
to the materials and design of the buildings for the related development.
For example, if the facade of the building is made of brick or brick
veneer, a complementary freestanding sign would also include brick.
c.
For monument signs in multi-tenant centers, the name of the center
shall not be calculated in the maximum sign area. Rather, the name
of the center shall have a separate maximum sign area of eight square
feet. All tenant signs shall have a minimum letter height of eight
inches. The maximum number of tenants is four tenants on each sign
face. The two sign faces of a monument sign are not required to be
identical in terms of tenant identification.
d.
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign. At a minimum,
landscape area shall be equal to the area of the sign. Landscaping
shall be complementary to the landscaping for the overall site. The
design of the landscaping shall be such that natural growth will not
obscure the sign from the public right-of-way.
3.
Projecting
signs. Projecting signs, including, but not limited to, blade signs,
bracket signs, and marquee signs, shall be considered wall signs for
the purposes of sign area calculations. Projecting signs shall only
be permitted as follows:
a.
Location. Projecting signs shall be placed only on ground-floor facades,
except for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior
pedestrian access.
b.
Angle of projection. Projecting signs shall either be located at
right angles to the building front along the building facade, or,
when located on the corner of a building, at a 45-degree angle to
the corner of the building.
c.
Height. The lowest point of a blade or bracket sign shall be a minimum
of eight feet above grade.
d.
Projection. The sign may project a maximum of five and one-half feet
from the building.
e.
Suspension. The sign shall be suspended with a clear space of at
least six inches between the sign and the building.
f.
Sign structure. Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with
the design and scale of the sign.
g.
Encroachment. Blade, bracket, or marquee signs may not encroach into
the public right-of-way or be located above it, into a designated
emergency vehicle/fire access lane, or into city-owned property except
with an encroachment permit.
h.
Spacing. Projecting signs shall be spaced to maximize the visibility
of signage.
4.
Wall
signs.
a.
Wall signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual architectural
elements of the building facade.
b.
Wall signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the building
facade.
c.
Wall sign raceways shall be concealed from public view (e.g., within
the building wall or otherwise integrated with the design of the sign
and building) so as to not detract from the architectural character
of the building.
d.
Channel letters, reverse channel letters, and pushpin letters are
preferred in place of can signs.
e.
Signage containing multiple elements (e.g., logo and text) on one
facade shall be designed so that the multiple elements are located
and scaled with relationship to each other.
5.
Window
sign. Window signs (permanent or temporary) shall not cover more than
30 percent of the window area for each window of the establishment.
Window signage may include up to two neon signs per business.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The standards of this section provide the regulations for on-site
signs on private property, including height, size, placement, and
illumination. Regulations are listed based upon zone and sign type.
A.
Format
and organization of standards. The signage standards listed below
are summarized, where applicable, in table format for ease of use
and organization. Concepts described in these tables are as follows:
1.
Collective sign area. The total sign area allowed herein for each sign type may be distributed among the maximum number of signs permitted for that sign type. For example, the total allowed area for wall signs for a particular establishment may be distributed among the maximum number of wall signs allowed for that same establishment. For form-based zones, there are additional wall sign allowances for sub-establishments as defined in chapter 17.150 (Sign Definitions).
2.
Sign
area allowance. Allowable sign area is either a set square footage
per establishment or is based on a ratio of allowable sign area to
primary building frontage (e.g., one square foot of sign per one lineal
foot of primary building frontage, or 1 sf:1 lf). Where a ratio is
described, it applies to the maximum sign area listed in Table 17.74.080-1
(Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs).
3.
Form-based
zones. In form-based zones, signage for residential uses shall be
consistent with the standards for residential zones (e.g., as if the
development were in a residential zone). For nonresidential or residential
mixed-use uses, signs shall be consistent with the standards for form-based
zones.
B.
General standards. Except as provided in subsections C, D, E, and F below, signs shall be consistent with the standards listed in Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs) as listed by base zone.
|
TABLE 17.74.080-1 SIGNAGE STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT ON-SITE SIGNS
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Type
|
Development Standards (3)
| ||||
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Area
|
Maximum Height
| |||
|
Residential Zones
| |||||
|
Institution
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per establishment
|
20 sf
|
Roofline
| |
|
Monument sign
|
1 sign per establishment
|
24 sf
|
6 ft
| ||
|
Multi-family complex, ≤ 12 units
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per street frontage, maximum 2 signs
|
12 sf
|
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
| |
|
Monument sign
|
6 ft
| ||||
|
Multi-family complex, > 12 units
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per street frontage, maximum 2 signs
|
24 sf
|
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
| |
|
Monument sign
|
6 ft
| ||||
|
Permanent subdivision identification sign
|
Wall sign
|
2 signs per development
|
24 sf
|
6 ft
| |
|
Monument sign
|
4 ft
| ||||
|
School
|
Wall sign
|
1 per use
|
20 sf
|
Roofline
| |
|
Monument sign
|
1 per use
|
50 sf
|
20 ft
| ||
|
Form-Based Zones
| |||||
|
Establishments not in a multi-tenant center
|
Wall sign
|
1 wall sign per building face, max 3
|
Max 3 signs total between both types
|
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf
|
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
|
|
Monument sign
|
1 monument sign per street, max 2
|
24 sf
|
8 ft
| ||
|
Pedestrian traffic sign
|
1 per establishment
|
6 sf
|
12 ft
| ||
|
Retail establishments in a multi-tenant center
|
Wall sign, primary establishment
|
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 3
|
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf per establishment
|
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
| |
|
Wall sign, sub-establishment
|
1 sign per sub-establishment, max 2
|
75 sq. ft. total
| |||
|
Monument (1)
|
1 sign per street frontage (2)
|
24 sf (2)
|
8 ft
| ||
|
Pedestrian traffic sign
|
1 per establishment
|
6 sf
|
12 ft
| ||
|
Retail establishments over 100,000 square feet (free-standing
and within multi-tenant centers)
|
Wall signs
|
6 signs total (maximum 4 signs per building face)
|
1:1 sf to lineal frontage ratio
|
Cannot project above wall plane
| |
|
Monument signs
|
1 per street frontage
|
48 sf
|
8 ft
| ||
|
Wall sign: sub-establishment
|
1 sign per sub-establishment (maximum 3 sub-establishment signs)
|
75 sf (total of 3 signs)
|
Cannot project above wall plane
| ||
|
Office establishments in a multi-tenant center
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 2
|
2 sf:1 lf, max 50 sf per establishment
|
Roofline
| |
|
Monument sign (1)
|
1 sign per street frontage
|
24 sf
|
8 ft
| ||
|
Pedestrian traffic sign
|
1 per establishment
|
6 sf
|
12 ft
| ||
|
Project identification sign, all development types
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
|
24 sf
|
6 ft
| |
|
Industrial Zones
| |||||
|
All establishments
|
Wall sign
|
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 2
|
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf per establishment
|
Roofline
| |
|
Monument sign (1)
|
1 sign per street frontage (2)
|
24 sf (2)
|
8 ft
| ||
|
Table Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
(1)
|
On multi-tenant monument signs, the name of the center shall
not be calculated in the maximum sign area. Rather, the name of the
center shall have a separate maximum sign area of eight square feet.
All tenant signs shall have a minimum letter height of eight inches.
The maximum number of tenants is four on each sign face. The two sign
faces of a monument sign are not required to be identical in terms
of tenant identification.
|
|
(2)
|
May be increased to two per street frontage when signs are spaced
a minimum of 300 feet apart. Alternatively, the maximum area may be
increased to 48 square feet when the site frontage is longer than
500 feet. In no case may these two allowances be combined.
|
|
(3)
|
Signage required according to the fire district's standards
for multi-family and commercial/mixed use/industrial facilities are
exempt from the limits established by this table.
|
C.
Menu/order
board signs for drive-in and drive-through uses. Each drive-in or
drive-through use is permitted two menu/order board signs per drive-through
lane. The sign shall not count as a sign for purposes of Table 17.74.080-1
(Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs), either in terms of
number or area. The maximum height for a menu/order board sign shall
be six feet and the maximum area allowed is 50 square feet. No alterations
or additions (e.g., rider signs) along the exterior of the menu/order
board sign are permitted.
D.
Regional
centers and automobile centers. The maximum number of signs permitted,
maximum area, and maximum height of signs for regional shopping and
automobile centers shall be determined as part of the uniform sign
program.
E.
Movie
theatres. Movie theatres are permitted a maximum of 300 square feet
of building attached signage. One sign is permitted per street frontage.
Movie theatres are also permitted monument signage consistent with
the standards in Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent
On-Site Signs).
F.
Service
stations. Signs for service stations shall be consistent with the
standards provided in Table 17.74.080-2 (Signage Standards for Permanent
On-Site Signs for Service Stations).
|
TABLE 17.74.080-2 SIGNAGE STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT ON-SITE SIGNS
FOR SERVICE STATIONS
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Type (1)
|
Development Standards
| |||
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Area (2)
|
Maximum Height
| ||
|
Monument
|
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
|
Max 4 signs total between all types
|
36 sf 1
|
8 ft
|
|
Wall sign, primary establishment
|
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
|
2 sf:1 lf, max 50 sf
|
Roofline
| |
|
Wall sign, canopy
|
1 sign per street frontage
|
Roofline
| ||
|
Wall sign, sub-establishment
|
1 sign per sub-establishment, max 2
|
12 sf
|
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
| |
|
Table Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
(1)
|
Only one sign is permitted.
|
|
(2)
|
Includes pricing information as required by Business and Professions
Code § 13530 et seq.
|
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes standards for temporary on-site signs.
All temporary signs require a temporary use permit prior to their
establishment. Temporary signs may include, but are not limited to,
commercial signs for grand openings or for special product, sale,
or event advertising. All temporary signs must comply with the standards
listed in Table 17.74.090-1 (Allowed Temporary On-Site Sign Standards)
and are subject to the following:
A.
Time
duration.
1.
Generally.
Display periods for temporary on-site signs shall be limited to a
maximum of 90 days per calendar year, either consecutive or intermittent.
Longer time periods may be permitted with issuance of a conditional
use permit.
2.
Subdivision
signs.
a.
All signs for subdivisions shall be removed within ten days after
all lots in the subdivision are sold.
b.
The subdivider shall provide the city with surety for the sign to
ensure compliance with these standards. Surety shall be in the form
of a cash deposit as established by resolution of the city council.
B.
Illumination.
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
C.
Message.
Temporary signs displaying a commercial message shall be limited to
on-site signage only. Off-site signage displaying a commercial message
shall not be permitted.
|
TABLE 17.74.090-1 ALLOWED TEMPORARY ON-SITE SIGN STANDARDS
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Type
|
Development Standards
| |||
|
Maximum Number Permitted
|
Maximum Area (2)
|
Maximum Height
|
Minimum Setback from row (1)
| |
|
On-Site Subdivision Signs
| ||||
|
General signs
|
1 sign per street frontage of the boundary of the project
|
32 sf per side, max 2 sides (64 sf total)
|
15 ft
|
5 ft
|
|
Flags
|
6 flags
|
15 sf per flag
|
15 ft
|
5 ft
|
|
All other uses (2)
| ||||
|
Wall
|
1 sign per establishment
|
50 sf (3)
|
Roofline
|
5 ft
|
|
Ground sign
|
8 ft
|
5 ft
| ||
|
Flags
|
1 flag
|
30 sf per flag
|
15 ft
|
5 ft
|
|
Table notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
(1)
|
Must be located outside of the clear visibility triangle.
|
|
(2)
|
Choice of one sign type at a time.
|
|
(3)
|
Temporary signs for special events in conjunction with an approved
temporary use permit are limited to a maximum of 25 square feet and
require property owner approval.
|
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A.
General prohibition. Generally, all new off-site commercial signage is prohibited within the city. Existing off-site commercial signs (e.g., billboards) are considered nonconforming signs as regulated by section 17.74.130 (Nonconforming Signs and Abandoned Signs). However, consistent with state law, the city does permit off-site subdivision directional signs as provided in this section.
B.
Subdivision
directional signs. The purpose of subdivision directional signs is
to direct the traffic related to new residential subdivisions in a
manner that minimizes visual clutter, reduces unnecessary traffic
through established neighborhoods, and provides an orderly, attractive,
high-quality image of the city. When originally placed, signs will
require a sign permit as required by this chapter.
1.
A
maximum of six signs may be used to lead customers to the site.
2.
Signs
shall be no larger than 60 inches by ten inches and shall be grouped
on a four-sided sign structure as shown in Figure 17.74.100-1 (Subdivision
Directional Sign).
3.
A
sign structure shall be located not less than 600 feet from an existing
or previously approved sign site. Further, each sign may only contain
the name of the subdivision and a directional arrow as shown in Figure
17.74.100-1 (Subdivision Directional Sign).
4.
The
placement of each sign structure shall be reviewed and approved by
the planning director.
5.
Signs
placed on private property shall be done with written consent of the
property owner and filed with the planning department prior to issuance
of the permit.
6.
A
sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional
sign and shall be submitted to the planning department prior to the
issuance of the sign permit.
7.
Any
such sign approved for a particular subdivision within the city shall
not be changed to advertise another subdivision without prior approval
of the planning director.
8.
There
shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards,
or appurtenances added to the sign as originally approved.
9.
Further,
no other directional signing may be used such as posters or trailer
signs.
10.
All nonconforming subdivision directional signs associated with the
subdivision in question must be removed prior to the issuance of a
new sign permit.
11.
A $500.00 cash deposit shall be placed with the city to ensure compliance
with this title. Any sign placed contrary to the provisions of this
title may be removed by the city, and the cost of removal shall be
deducted from the deposit. Additional costs incurred by the city resulting
from the removal of illegal signs shall be charged to the developer.
12.
The sign shall be allowed until the subdivision is sold out.
13.
The off-site subdivision signs program may be implemented and installed
through the Building Industry Association (BIA) if an agreement is
approved for the regulation and control between the city and the BIA.
If such a program is implemented, all off-site subdivision signs shall
be regulated and installed per the agreement and approvals between
the BIA and the city. The BIA shall not install any new structures
without express written consent of the planning director.
|
FIGURE 17.74.100-1 SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGN
 |
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A.
Purpose.
Murals, as defined in this title, are an important part of the community
character. As such, the city declares that murals are not signs but
rather public art and are, therefore, excluded from the regulations
of this chapter.
B.
Murals
defined. The term "mural" means a hand-produced work of visual art
that is tiled or painted by hand directly upon, or affixed directly
to, an exterior wall of a building. Murals are of a noncommercial
nature. A mural does not include the following:
C.
Murals,
as defined in this title, are hereby exempt from the regulations of
this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A.
The city finds and declares that electronic display signs pose a danger to the motoring public because of potential distraction from their change of message, scale, format, and other physical qualities that differentiate them from other sign types. The city recognizes that as of the effective date of this chapter there are several electronic display signs within the city. Such signs are declared legal nonconforming signs and may continue to operate in accordance with section 17.74.130(A) (Nonconforming Signs). However, no new electronic display signs shall be established, except as provided in this chapter.
B.
The
limitation established by this section shall not apply to manually
changeable copy signs.
C.
Signs
providing information on fuel price and grade and fueling stations,
as well as signs displaying time and temperature information shall
be exempt from this limitation on electronic display signs.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A.
Nonconforming
signs.
1.
Except
as otherwise provided by this section, all existing signs which do
not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed nonconforming
signs and shall either be removed or brought into compliance with
this code when a substantial alteration to the sign is made. Change
of copy shall not be deemed a substantial alteration. For purposes
of this section, a "substantial alteration" shall be defined as repair
or refurbishing of any sign that alters its physical dimensions or
height, or replaces any integral component of the sign including,
but not limited to, alterations to exterior cabinets, bases, or poles.
In addition, substantial alteration shall also include any repair
or refurbishing of a sign that exceeds 50 percent of the depreciated
value of the sign and structure, but excepting customary maintenance.
The term "customary maintenance" means any activity or work performed
for the purpose of actively maintaining the sign in its existing approved
physical configuration and size dimensions at the specific location
approved by the city and includes the following:
2.
A nonconforming sign may remain in use provided no additions or enlargements are made there-to and no structural alterations are made therein, except as permitted for customary maintenance in section 17.74.060(G) (Maintenance Requirements) of this chapter. If said nonconforming sign is destroyed or removed, or ceases to be used for the use in existence as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, every future sign at the same location must be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
B.
Abandoned
signs. Abandoned signs may be abated by the city. For regulatory purposes,
any factors indicating abandonment shall not begin occurring until
120 days after this chapter first goes into effect.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
